How to Make an Airlock

In order to make homemade wine or beer, the brewer must have some type of airlock. Almost any type of food-safe container can be used, but it must be sealed and an air lock used to deal with the off gases of the brewing process. Making an airlock is simple and requires no elaborate equipment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 5- to 6-foot length of 1/4 inch OD hose
• Large glass jar
• Water
• Drill and 1/4-inch drill bit

1. Purchase a 5- to 6-foot section of 1/4-inch OD hose. This can be found at any pet store or super center in the aquarium department. Wash thoroughly before use.

2. Determine what type of vessel you want to use for the wine or beer. Depending on what you are making, even an old 2-liter soda bottle will work.

3. Drill a hole in the center of the lid of the container you have chosen. Thread one end of the tubing into the hole, pulling through at least two inches. If the container does not have a lid, it can be covered with plastic wrap later.

4. Make up the brew. Take care not to fill the container more than three fourths full. Both wine and beer need a bit of air space at the top of the container.

5. Put the lid on the container. Take the other end of the tube and place it into a large glass jar half filled with water. If using plastic wrap to cover the container, make sure the wrap is tight and secure. Use the tip of a sharp knife to poke a small hole into the wrap just large enough for the tubing to push through.

6. Keep the water jar half filled until the brew stops bubbling. At that point, the wine or beer is ready for rebottling.

Tips & Warnings

• If the tubing is loose in the hole you have drilled in the lid of the container, use a bit of silicone caulking to secure the tube in place and keep air out. Use tape to secure the tubing in plastic wrap.
• Corks can also be used in old wine bottles, by drilling the hole carefully through the center of the cork.
• Commercial airlocks can be purchased at brew supply houses. They can be found in most large cities or online.